The Minnesota Timberwolves have heard from Tom Thibodeau and Jeff Van Gundy about their head coaching vacancy, and now Mark Jackson is said to be next.

AP Source: The Timberwolves will interview former Warriors coach and ESPN analyst Mark Jackson for the coaching job

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) April 19, 2016

Mark Jackson was one of three finalists for the coaching job when the Wolves hired Kurt Rambis. So there is familiarity there.

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) April 19, 2016

Jackson last coached in 2014.

The Golden State Warriors canned him after two trips to the postseason, and a 121-109 record over three seasons:

Jackson is credited with starting the process that helped build the Warriors into the team that new coach Steve Kerr turned into a juggernaut en route to last year’s championship and a record 73 wins this season. But his exit from Golden State was a messy one as he clashed with Warriors management on the way out.

 

One of Jackson’s strengths is that he is able to connect with players given his background as a former standout point guard himself, and his entrance into the Timberwolves race provides a semblance of balance after team owner Glen Taylor started the process with two high-profile names who never played in the league.